Is Ridge still on the outs with 'The Base?'

American Spectator had a great piece in August 2008 on Tom Ridge and the negative reaction he gets from conservatives in Pennsylvania.

"What is at issue in any discussion of his vice-presidential prospects is his record as a Congressman and governor of Pennsylvania, as well as his tenure as the first Secretary of Homeland Security. Along with this is the notion being floated in some McCain circles that Ridge's presence on the ticket would help carry the state,'' wrote Jeffrey Lord.

"This would be the last straw," snapped one astonished Pennsylvania conservative who had read of McCain's remarks. There would be "a conservative explosion," said another."

The piece was written when John McCain was trying to figure out what he needed in a vice presidential candidate to help him with the presidency. McCain floated Ridge's name, but we all know what happened. Sarah Palin got flown in for a quick meeting with McCain in an arranged marriage that had very mixed results.

Palin had support from the GOP base, but some still wonder if McCain had tabbed Ridge, would it have been enough to help McCain carry Pennsylvania.

Many pundits say it would not have made a difference. Still, as the Pennsylvania GOP figures out what to do after Arlen Specter's defection, the idea of a moderate candidate leading the party is getting renewed interest.

Ridge's name is being dropped by GOP bigwigs in Washington, while back here in Pennsylvania, state party chairman Robert Gleason has said on many occasions that U.S. Senate candidate Pat Toomey would have to tack away from the right in order to have a chance winning the 2010 general election.